Bridge USA ( Summer Work & Travel) Program
Bridge USA formally known as Summer Work & Travel provides full-time college and university students pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree with the opportunity to experience American culture and gain valuable entry-level hospitality experience in the United States for 3–4 months during their summer break.
Program Eligibility
- Age Limit: 18 to 35 years old.
- Student Status: Currently enrolled as a full-time student in a course lasting 2 years or longer.
- Academic Standing: Cumulative GPA must be 2.0 or higher.
- Course Load: A minimum of 12 credits required per semester.
- Financial Readiness: Capable of paying the full program fee and maintaining at least US $1,000 in spending money.
- Willing to work hard, perform all assigned duties, and strictly abide by program guidelines.
Registration Requirements
Applicants must submit the following items during the online registration process:
- Passport bio-page copy.
- Smiling, passport-sized photo.
- Updated resume.
- Completed online registration form.
- Official Status Letter or Proof of Education.
- Registration receipt confirmation.
- Updated transcript reflecting grades for the December 2026 exams alongside the courses being pursued for the January 2027 semester.
- Copies of previous J-1 DS-2019 forms or visas (if applicable).
Wages & Employment Details
- Focus: The primary purpose of the SWT program is cultural exchange rather than financial gain. Compensation is designed to offset your personal living expenses while in the United States.
- Pay Rate: Hourly wages range from $14 to $21 per hour, depending on the job type and state regulations. You will not be paid less than the minimum wage set by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Hours: The average work week is 32 to 40 hours. Participants must remain flexible regarding scheduling.
- Second Jobs: May’Fos is responsible for securing one primary job placement. Sourcing a second job is your responsibility and must be completely vetted and approved by your sponsor before you begin working. Working unvetted secondary jobs can result in immediate program termination.
Housing Expenses
- Arrangement: Placements include pre-arranged, sponsor-vetted housing shared between 2 to 4 people. Specific amenities are outlined in your housing agreement or job offer.
- Weekly Rent: Ranges from $50 to $200 USD per week.
- Security Deposit: A housing deposit (typically equal to rent rates) may be required depending on the landlord or employer. Participants are fully responsible for all housing costs.
Medical Insurance
- Mandatory Policy: Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement. Your specific coverage terms depend on your assigned program sponsor.
- Full Coverage Sponsors: Insurance is included for the duration of the program for participants sponsored by CIEE Inc. and American Journey Cultural Exchange.
- Limited Coverage Sponsors: Only 90 days of insurance are covered by the agency for those sponsored by United Studies Inc. If your stay exceeds 90 days, you must pay out-of-pocket for an extension or conclude your program when the initial 90-day coverage expires.
- Policy Activation: To activate your medical insurance, you must complete your mandatory arrival check-in immediately upon reaching the United States.
Travel & Logistics
- Travel Costs: Students are responsible for all personal travel expenses, including airfare and domestic transportation (such as taxis or rideshares).
- Arrival: If your employer does not offer an airport shuttle, you are responsible for navigating your own way to your assigned housing.
- Flight Submission: Final flight arrangements must be booked and emailed to your sponsor, agency, or employer at least 10 business days prior to your departure date.
